Lumps, bumps, “cottage cheese” and “orange-peel” skin. No matter what you call it, cellulite can plague even the fittest bodies—and, unfortunately for 90 percent of women, this common condition has a genetic predisposition, which Beverly Hills, CA, plastic surgeon Leslie H. Stevens, MD, says, “makes it hard to find a magic bullet for treating it.” But, despite its stubbornness, there are ways to improve cellulite’s appearance and get your skin looking smoother.
Preventative Measures
An unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise encourage fatty deposits to gather and stay put. “Keeping fit, eating healthy and good skin tone may help to minimize cellulite,” Dr. Stevens adds.
Product Promises
Treating cellulite with at-home products that incorporate ingredients like caffeine or retinol may help to lessen its appearance when used for at least six months.
In-Office Solutions
A combination of laser, vacuum, massage and/or radio-frequency devices may smooth out problem areas. Radio-frequency lasers and deep massage treatments have been the standard for treating cellulite in-office, and now, with the introduction of Cellulaze, there may be a new contender in the ring. The device inserts a tiny laser fiber under the skin to break up fat pockets and release the depressed skin through heat, which also helps stimulate collagen production and increase elasticity to give way to a smoother look. The company claims that this method provides longer-term cellulite reduction in as little as one treatment. “This treatment shows promise since it treats more than the superficial layers of skin, but only time will tell if it is effective,” says Fullerton, CA, dermatologist Julie A. Hodge, MD.
